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Overview

Sam is a trusted advocate for sophisticated companies navigating high-stakes litigation, sensitive employment disputes, and emerging legal challenges involving artificial intelligence.

A seasoned litigator, Sam represents both plaintiffs and defendants in complex commercial and employment-related litigation across a wide array of industries—including healthcare, higher education, manufacturing, real estate, automotive, and financial services.

Sam brings particular strength to disputes involving senior executives, business torts, restrictive covenant violations, trade secret misappropriation, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, whistleblowing, and wrongful termination. Sam also represents clients in litigation involving the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) and Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA). He regularly handles business-critical disputes that are sensitive, high-profile, or reputationally significant. Sam has appeared in state and federal courts and administrative agencies around the country and tried and argued multiple cases.

In addition to his litigation practice, Sam counsels companies navigating the evolving legal landscape surrounding artificial intelligence. He partners with clients to develop and implement bespoke AI strategies that strike the right balance between fostering innovation and mitigating legal and reputational risk. His work includes addressing algorithmic bias in employment decisions, shaping practical and defensible AI use policies, and guiding the protection of AI-driven innovation through trade secret law. By bridging emerging regulatory risk with thoughtful litigation strategy, Sam serves as a forward-thinking resource for businesses deploying cutting-edge technologies.

Sam also maintains a robust pro bono practice, with a focus on representing indigent prisoners in constitutional litigation.

Whatever the matter, clients trust Sam’s tireless advocacy, sharp judgment, and focus on driving results that align with their broader business objectives.

Industries

Services

Recognition

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America
    • Labor and Employment Law - Management, 2024 and 2025
    • Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2024 and 2025
  • Wisconsin Super Lawyers
    • Rising Stars, 2021-2023
  • Wisconsin Pro Bono Honor Society, 2019-2020
  • Forward 48, 2022 Class

Education

  • J.D., University of Wisconsin Law School
    • Wisconsin Law Review, Managing Editor
    • Moot Court Executive Board and Moot Court Coach
  • B.A., University of Notre Dame

Admissions

  • Wisconsin
  • Illinois
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (General and Trial Bars)
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • American Bar Association
  • Defense Research Institute
  • State Bar of Wisconsin, Labor & Employment Section, Board of Directors
  • Wisconsin Bar Association
  • Eastern District Bar Association
  • Milwaukee Bar Association
  • Milwaukee Young Lawyers Association
  • Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin, Human Resources Committee
2024 Pro Bono Champion
Experience
  • Defend regional and national management-side clients across diverse industries in complex employment litigation and labor disputes, including First Amendment litigation; whistleblower claims; federal and state discrimination, harassment and retaliation cases; and appellate work.
  • Draft and negotiate employment agreements, restrictive covenants, retention agreements, separation agreements, and other documents related to trade secret protection and unfair competition.
Outside the Office

When he’s not practicing law, Sam enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and their two very good boys, Gus (dog) and Henry (cat).

A wine aficionado and passionate traveler, he and his wife make a point of exploring top wine regions, with recent highlights including Napa, South Africa, Alsace, and Oregon. They also travel extensively beyond the vineyard, and whether it’s a Michelin-starred tasting menu or the latest local hotspot, they're always chasing the next great dish. Sam also follows politics, current events, and Notre Dame football with near-professional intensity.

Community Leadership

Sam places a high priority on pro bono work and serves as a deputized public defender for the Wisconsin State Public Defender’s Office. He also represents incarcerated individuals in civil rights cases through the Eastern District of Wisconsin Inmate Program.

  • Milwaukee Athletic Club, Nominating Committee, Member